Send us Fan Mail Host Russell Gibson is joined by longtime contributor and artist Al Caynes @Lollipoppunkxx for a massive 300th episode milestone celebration, taking a deep dive into 90s basketball card nostalgia, the shifting definitions of a hobby, escalating grading delays, and the high-end wax pricing controversy sweeping the sports card market. Episode 300 Milestones & Thank Yous: Host Russell Gibson celebrates the podcast's 300-episode milestone with heartfelt thanks to former co-host Adam, guest @shaqfoo32, Al Caynes, and loyal sponsors including US Sports Cards Australia, Neon Trading Cards, EJ Cards, Bang Man, and GTI Card Supplies. 90s Basketball Era Nostalgia: Al recalls opening his first pack (1994-95 Fleer Series 1 with the Karl Malone Gold Medallion) and reminisces about '90s icons like Larry Johnson, Michael Jordan, Shawn Kemp, and Reggie Miller. Larry Johnson Deep Dive: Al details his personal collection (PC) of "Grandmama" Larry Johnson, triggered by owning his Reebok Gel shoes, discussing his career-altering back injury, and his historic four-point play against the Pacers. The Chesh Brakes Legacy: Discussion of Al's former "CheshBreaks" podcast, how he calculated Expected Value (EV) on products, and his recent hobby shifts into the Cyberpunk TCG. Oz Nationals Card Show Breakdown: A review of the Oz Nationals event, highlighting the massive crowd divide between the packed Pokémon floor and upstairs sports section, vendor generosity toward young collectors, and show organizational logistics. The "Flipping" Culture & AI Scams: Critique of Facebook buy/sell groups flooded with generic AI-generated templates offering "60% market value" purchases, blurring the lines between pure collectors and volume flippers. Art, Generative AI & Card Aesthetics: Al shares his perspective as a traditional artist on generative AI's impact on art, rare books, and card designs, arguing that modern card inserts and case hits lack genuine visual innovation. PSA Backlog Updates: Breakdown of PSA’s backlog (sitting at ~9 million cards), the reopening of the Standard grading tier, strict queue priority rules, and the opening of their new Frankfurt facility. Topps & Fanatics Transition Critique: A critique of Topps/Fanatics products, debating high retail blaster prices ($60 USD), Topps Chrome Update, and digital/physical hybrid releases like Topps Black. Ultra-High-End Wax Reality: Dissection of Topps Definitive Basketball ($25,000–$35,000 AUD per box) featuring low-end hits like Al Horford, sticker autographs, and redemptions compared to vintage grails like Upper Deck Exquisite. Unlicensed Panini Noir & Price Tariffs: Rejection of unlicensed products like Panini Noir ($900 AUD), noting poor value returns unless pulling top rookies like Edgecombe or Jeremiah Fears. Capital Gains Tax & Import Customs Regulations: Conversation around Australian Taxation Office (ATO) rules, capital gains tax on sales over $500 AUD, import customs broker issues, and when card collecting crosses from a hobby into a business. Support the show Thank You to our Primary sponsor: Check Out My Cards Australia and US Sports Cards Australia Sponsor: Neon Trading Cards: NBA, Soccer, Breaks on Whatnot Buy YCCT A Coffee: Click Here To Support The Show! Reach out to us on socials and tell us what we got right or wrong! All of our Socials can be found on our Linktree You Can't Comp This YouTube - we stream episodes LIVE! You Can't Comp This on Facebook - join our community
